August concerts for Oliver’s Music in the Park series are “ripening” nicely. Don’t miss out on the fresh sounds on stage.

The musical lineup, hosted by the Oliver Community Arts Council, continues with country rock, R&B, soul, railway folk songs, and vintage pop. The “rain or shine” venue is at Oliver Parks and Rec: the band shell when there’s sun, and the community hall on rainy evenings. Thursday evenings from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Look forward to these concerts, as fresh and delicious as summer fruit:

Pictured above –

Dale Seaman & Highway 97 play country rock on August 6. Think of crisp citrus “tang” to go with his cool country “twang”. Seaman, called “Penticton’s Country Gentleman”, has long been a local favourite, excelling at covers from Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson, to Lady Antebellum and Bonny Raitt. Dale has also had success as a singer-songwriter, releasing his first CD in 2009, so audiences can expect to hear some of his own compositions. His new band backs him up with full rich sound.

The Darlene Ketchum Quartet belts out soul, R&B, on August 13. The Delta band, touring the BC interior, will add a funky, laid-back groove to Darlene’s rich, powerful vocals. A talented composer, arranger, and musician, Darlene will sing a mix of gospel standards, funk, blues, and her own compositions. Be sure to bring along some watermelon to cool you off after some southern soul music.

Train-lovers of all ages will enjoy the songs and stories performed by the Kettle Valley Brakemen on August 20. The band will bring railway history to life with true tales of derring-do and daring and original songs about BC’s dramatic steam train era. Audiences will go “bananas” with their hilarious comedy. Songs and stories of railway brawls, jail breaks, train wrecks, and raining rattlesnakes will enrapture listeners.

The series winds up on August 27 with Up the Crick. Chris Stodola and Rick Braman from Osoyoos perform lovely vintage music from the 20s on to more contemporary pop, all with a sweet easy charm. Like heirloom fruit, the varieties remembered from childhood, the tunes are familiar golden oldies that can’t be replaced. Chris and Rick (the “Crick” of the title) accompany their vocal harmonies with lush keyboard and guitar.

All concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. and are run as admission by donation, with a suggested donation of $5 to cover costs. Picnic fare, fresh produce, and other goods available at the concurrent evening market, open 4:30 to 8:00. Watch for the new beer and wine garden making its appearance on select dates!